Abhyanga: A Hands On Therapy for Self-Healing
Ayurveda stresses that we take self-responsibility for the results we experience in life & take healing into our own hands. In Ayurveda, the physical body is seen as a temple for the soul | divine spark within. Applying oil to the body is a deep act of self care, nourishment and respect.
“The body of one who uses oil massage regularly does not become affected much even if subjected to accidental injuries, or strenuous work. By using oil massage daily, a person is endowed with pleasant touch, trimmed body parts and becomes strong, charming and least affected by old age.”
— CHARAKA SAMHITA
Positive healing touch has been an integral part of every culture, and was recognized an essential need for every single person from childhood to old age. Over time that sacred value has been lost.
What is Abhyanga?
A self-administered oil massage - sneha means both oil and love in sanskrit. Western science shows there is a substantial increase in oxytocin (bonding / anti-anxiety) levels in those who receive massage . The properties of the oil give the grounding qualities needed to come from a place of love / abundance.
It is a part of ayurvedic panchakarma long-term detoxification program and also a part of dinacharya, or daily routine practices. While it is especially good for vata, every person will substantially benefit from daily self-massage.
Nourishes the millions of nerve receptors on the body’s skin very rapidly.
Effects of Abhyanga
Increases circulation of blood, lymph, kapha, etc
Ama, or toxins, are flushed back into the circulatory & GI systems to be flushed out.
Delays aging, relieves tiredness, calms the nervous system, nourishes the mucous membranes and joints.
Improves vision, nourishes body tissues, induces good sleep, improves skin tone and complexion
Drastically improves emotional state, especially overwhelm, anxiety, spaciness, fear, nervousness, etc
Stimulates the marmas or vital points of the body that are storehouses of vital healing energy, or prana.
Treatment for the suppression of flatus, feces, sleep and urine
Facilitates the proper movement of the internal rhythms of the body.
Abhyanga is a must for jet lag and before long travel
Principles for Abhyanga
Abhyanga is most potent in pacifying vata dosha during the early morning hours (2 - 6am) and evening time (6pm) when vayu is predominant in the environment and physiology.
The skin is the doorway to the rest of the dhatus - which means it should be fortified and selective on what it allows inside. Abhyanga provides that protection from the outside world including EMFs, viruses, radiation, artificial light, high UV, cold temperatures, and the subtle energy of other people.
Best done in the fall and winter times
Make sure the room temperature is warm so that the pores stay open, or else the oil will not absorb into the body.
In very dry climates, one may shower first, dry and then apply abhyanga oil and leave it on for the rest of the day.
Be KIND AND LOVING during the process. Self care should not become a chore / bother.
Type of oil: The oils are generally specially formulated per condition of the body. As a general rule organic unrefined cold-pressed (black) sesame, sunflower and coconut oils can be used. Vata does well with sesame oil, pitta with sunflower or coconut oil and kapha with sesame, sunflower or mustard oil.
Authentic ayurvedic oils have a very specific method of preparation that includes milk, herbs, and a systematic process to bring the proper qualities into the oil.
When to do: before/after exercise or breathwork (pranayama), if you frequently use electronics (shields the CNS), before travel in train / plane, dryness of skin, constipation, low circulation, stagnancy in body / mind, regular anxiety / fear / nervousness, poor sleep or insomnia, during pregnancy, especially during change of seasons, cracky joints, and many more indications.
When not to do: abhyanga should be avoided when there is an increase of kapha in the body, during indigestion, skin inflammation, menstruation, and (generally) while sick.
Techniques
One should heat the oil and allow it to cool to just a little warmer than body temperature - this is not only more soothing, but also allows the body to assimilate it easier
Massage can be done for 5 minutes, but a slow treatment of 20 to 30 minutes will yield maximum results, especially when regularly done
While doing each section of the body, the left side will always go first for ladies, right side for men
Massage the oil into your skin using straight, long strokes over the long areas of the body (arms, legs, sides, back), and circular (clockwise) strokes over the joints.
Begin at the head / upper portion of the body and proceed downwards until you have covered the bottoms of the feet.
Extra attention should be given to areas with many precious vital points such as the face, the crown of the head, the ears, hands, and soles of the feet.
Short method includes: crown of the head, ears, hands, soles of the feet
After Abhyanga
The agni of the skin digests the oil - so the oil should be as high quality as possible
The body has 7 dhatus (tissue systems), and it takes around 3 minutes for each dhatu to digest and absorb the oil - nourishing the deepest parts of our psychophysiology. Oil should be left on for a minimum of 8 minutes and an ideal of 45 minutes.
Soak in a warm bath or shower to open the srotas (channels) and allow the skin to absorb the oils in the deepest way possible. Do not use soap unless needed in hairy areas.
A small amount of oil may be left on the floor of the shower / tub so be careful not to slip.
It is okay if a small amount of oil remains on the skin. Pat dry instead of wiping all of the oil off.
